Kuala lumpur: Malaysia, together with researchers from ASEAN member states, has produced the ASEAN Ahead: ASEAN STI Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond report through the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), aimed at positioning the region as a global powerhouse. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal stated that the report serves as a strategic blueprint outlining future pathways for the region's science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the report, which will be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflects Malaysia's expertise and ASM's commitment to enhancing regional scientific cooperation. The announcement was made during the ASM-Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) Workshop on Addressing Global Challenges in a Postnormal World. Also in attendance was ASM president Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen Tengku Ibrahim, who serves as STI Advisor to the Prime Minister.
Mohammad Yusof emphasized that the report represents a regional commitment to foresight-led planning, aiming to better equip ASEAN to tackle complex global challenges through collaboration and cohesion. He stressed that foresight is about shaping the future, not just predicting it.
The Deputy Minister urged AASSA members to bolster their national foresight initiatives and collaborate with Malaysia, which is prepared to share methodologies and explore harmonizing data frameworks for regional resilience and prosperity. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia will produce a periodic megatrend analysis report using a foresight approach to guide research, development, commercialization, and innovation activities.
The proposal for the APEC Open Science Alliance (APECOSA), highlighted as part of Malaysia's broader efforts, aims to promote open and responsible data sharing. Welcomed by APEC economies, APECOSA plans to connect open-science focal points across the region by 2026. Mohammad Yusof invited AASSA members to embrace open data sharing, aligning regional expertise with global initiatives.
The two-day workshop, organized by AASSA and ASM, gathered over 100 participants from member academies and scientific societies to discuss science-based approaches to complex global challenges. In his welcome remarks, Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen noted that the report demonstrates how foresight, intelligence, and shared governance can help countries anticipate disruptions and align strategic priorities.